Hundreds of protesters of all ages have been camping near the Democracy Monument located in the center of the city since November. Many come from outside the capital, with some sleeping in nearby temples. Photo: Joanna Chiu
Thousands of anti-government protesters will march through Bangkok this week to build momentum ahead of their planned January 13 shutdown of the capital.
Protesters are vowing to prevent government officials from going to work in the run up to the scheduled February 2 elections, in a bid to topple Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
Anti-government protests have been roiling Bangkok since November, triggered by a proposed amnesty bill that would facilitate the return of Yingluck's brother and exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was removed from office by military coup in 2006.
As tensions escalated, on December 8 Yingluck dissolved the parliament and called for snap elections. In response, protesters rallied to block candidates from making preparations, leading to violent clashes between riot police and protesters.
Thailand's main opposition Democrat Party, which has not won a national election in more than 20 years, supports the protests and plans to boycott the election. Yingluck's Pheu Thai Party is popular in most parts of the country, helped by populist policies introduced by Thaksin that target rural areas.
Demonstrators, led by former lawmaker Suthep Thaugsuban, want democracy to be suspended for a year or more, whereby an unelected "people's council" would implement political reforms.
Protesters are now dismantling their base near the Democracy Monument in order to regroup at 20 major intersections during the shutdown.
The South China Morning Post spoke with demonstrators over the last few days of their occupation at the Democracy Monument, and spoke with others in the capital. Anti-government and Thaksin supporters expressed fear of escalating conflict and violence in the year ahead.
Since November, 41-year-old Pitchaya Apisirawiwat has traveled to Bangkok every Saturday from a nearby province to join the protests. She said she does not want to see an election happen in February. "If a new government comes now, it would be the same same. People want change. I support the Democrat Party because they want to take away corruption, while Thaksin's party just gets popularity from helping farmers." Photo: Joanna Chiu
Rose Ramanwong, a 24-year-old law student from Bangkok's Ramkamhang University, has been volunteering at the demonstration's canteen since November. She argued that protesters do want democracy, but only when it's the right time for it. "In Thailand we love the king. But Thaksin does not respect the king. I don't like Yingluck too because Thaksin tells her what to do. If we have an election now, they will just use money to buy the votes. We have to work to fix and clean the country first before holding elections." Photo: Joanna Chiu
A protester surveys one of many tables set up near the Democracy Monument selling snacks and patriotic kitsch. Photo: Joanna Chiu
At night, a larger number of protesters than in the daytime gather to listen to speeches from protest leaders. Sporadic clashes with police have taken place. There are now at least eight people dead and 400 wounded. Photo: Tom Grundy
Protesters flocked to the Democracy Monument to take photos. Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban said the rally stage would be taken down next week as demonstrators prepare to occupy major intersections of the city instead. Photo: Tom Grundy
Meanwhile, one block away, international backpackers continue to drink and buy souvenirs on Khaoson Road as usual. This t-shirt stall owner says that business has been good and said that he supports the protesters. "The protesters tend to have jobs and are educated, while about 80 per cent of Thaksin's followers are from rural areas who are easily led and support him because they want his money." Photo: Joanna Chiu
A trader from Shanghai stands in Chinatown, Bangkok, reading a newspaper article about the planned city shutdown on January 13. "I think this could be dangerous," he said. "Until now, it's been easy for normal people in the city to avoid the protests. I usually come to Bangkok once a month to work but I will stay away until after Chinese New Year." Photo: Joanna Chiu
Chinatown shopkeeper Mr. Xi, who was born in Bangkok and whose family is from Chaozhou city in Guangdong Province, is a staunch supporter of the current government. "Those protest leaders talk very well about ending corruption, but they don't do anything. That is the worst kind of people," he said. "Thaksin follows his word and is good for businesses and poor people." Photo: Joanna Chiu
Mimi, 25, a hotel executive living in Bangkok, says she feels torn between the two sides. "I am in the middle but my family supports the protesters. I think everyone is just greedy for money and power. I am worried that the military will get involved and will support the protesters while the police will get involved in support of the government. There could be civil war. I hope that an election will happen soon." Photo: Joanna Chiu
